[Postprandial plasma variations of 3-methylhistidine compared to those of lysine, homoarginine and xylose on the normal conditions and in malabsorption in the suckling calf].

We have studied the absorption of 3-methylhistidine (3MH) in vitro and changes in its plasma concentration in preruminant calves after ingestion of milk containing 3MH under normal and malabsorptive conditions. Changes in 3MH concentration were compared to those in lysine, homoarginine (as a component of guanidinated caseine) and xylose, also added to milk. The absorption of 3MH in vitro was dose-dependent and was inhibited by leucine, indicating that 3 MH was transported in the same manner as neutral amino acids. After the ingestion of milk supplying 2.5-20 mumols (3MH)/kg body weight, 3MH increased dose-dependently within 1.75 h and reached maximal levels between 3 and 8 h. Lysine concentration initially parallelled the course of blood 3MH levels but dropped sooner. Homoarginine concentration did not increase until 2-4 h postprandially, probably as a consequence of the time needed for casein degradation. Xylose concentration increased as rapidly as 3MH and lysine concentration. Feeding a diet containing soybean protein for 36 d and administration of neomycine for 5 d to newborn calves induced malabsorption of xylose. However, 3MH absorption and caseine digestion, which increased after homoarginine absorption were not reduced.